EarthquakeDisaster Risk Management

Introduction• The term "earthquake" or seismic tremor is a good description of the

natural phenomenon which suddenly strikes an area causing damage that varies according to the intensity of the quake and local geological conditions. Close to the epicentre of the quake, the damage is direct, resulting in immediate destruction, such as collapsed buildings and other infrastructure, and indirect or secondary, resulting, for example, in fires, landslides, ruptured water and gas mains, interruption of electricity supplies, floods, etc…

Types of Earthquake• NATURAL EARTHQUAKE

- Tectonic- Volcanic- Meteoric

• MAN-MADE EARTHQUAKE- Explosive- Industrial Noise

OBJECTIVES• To ensure the safety of building occupants during and after a

damaging earthquake;• To help the Disaster Management Committee (DMC) to design a

specific response plan for strong earthquakes;• To train the DkMC and the building occupants proper action and

response during earthquakes;• To test various elements of the response plan designed by the DMC

What to do BEFORE an earthquake?• Strap heavy furniture to walls to prevent sliding or toppling.• Store breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials in

lowermost shelves and secure firmly.• Turn off gas tanks when not in use.• Keep heavy materials in lower shelves.• Check stability of hanging objects.• Maintain an earthquake survival kit.

When you feel a STRONG earthquake,“DUCK…COVER…

& HOLD ON…”…under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from windows, shelves, file

cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles. Stay undercover until the shaking stops, and hold onto your cover. If it moves, move with it.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?

• If inside a structurally sound building, stay there! Protect your body from falling debris• If outside, move to an open area• If along the shore and you feel an earthquake, run away from shore

toward higher ground.• If on a mountain, move away from steep escarpments which may be

affected by landslides. • When driving a vehicle, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not

attempt to cross bridges or overpasses which may have been damaged.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?

What to do AFTER an earthquake?• If inside an old & weak structure, take the fastest and safest way out!

- get out calmly, do not rush to the exit- use the stairs, do not use elevators- check yourself & others for injuries

• Help reduce the number of casualties from the earthquake:- don’t enter partially damaged buildings- gather information on radios- obey public safety precautions

• Check surroundings- clean up chemical spills, flammable materials- check for fire and if any, have it controlled- check water and electrical lines for defects

• If you must evacuate your residence, leave a message stating where you are going.- take with you your survival kit• Unless you need emergency help:

- do not use your telephone to call relatives and friends- do not use your car and drive around areas of damage

What to do AFTER an earthquake?

EARTHQUAKE DRILL

Actual Conduct of Earthquake Drill Assumptions:

1-minute strong shaking signified by 1 minute siren/bell Person can not stand Buildings may have been damaged but no collapse Possible falling objects including glass windows No immediate assistance will be available for at least several hours. Self help and

sustenance are required Possible injuries , fear, panic among personnel

Phases of an Earthquake DrillPHASE 1 – Alarm

PHASE 2 – ResponsePHASE 3 – EvacuationPHASE 4 – AssemblyPHASE 5 – HeadcountPHASE 6 - Evaluation

Things To Remember In Times Of Emergency

1. HAVE PRESENCE OF MIND2. APPLY YOUR TRAINING 3. TEAM WORK 4. PRAY!

Tornado Disaster Risk Management

What is a tornado?• A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a

thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph. • They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles

hundreds of yards. • They can also drive straw into trees. Damage paths can be in excess of

one mile wide to 50 miles long. In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide.

TORNADO SAFETY MEASURESBe on the lookout for the precursory signs of an impending severe

thunderstorm that could generate a tornado “Go to a safe place,” but where’s safe?

If at work, home or in school, keep calm, take cover in any interior hallway and on the lowest place in a building, or under sturdy furniture and brace yourself. Stay away from windows.

Secure outdoor objects(like garbage cans, garden tools, toys, signs, garden sets) if time permits, to prevent them from becoming missiles during its passage.

Tornado safety measures….Lie down in any depression or crawl into culverts when

a tornado is about to strike as it is considerably better than remaining upright

If driving a vehicle, stop and abandon it and seek shelter outside in the nearest depression ditch or ravine (but be aware of flash flooding

Tornadoes are generally short-lived. They come and go quickly. There may not be time for warning

Fin~